SB 748
Creating Safer Communities Act
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
The Safer Communities Act, Senate Bill 748, aims to provide additional funding for counties in West Virginia to support public safety, school safety, and emergency response services. It allows counties to levy a public safety sales or amusement tax, subject to voter approval through a ballot referendum. Counties that meet certain criteria and receive voter approval can then implement this tax to fund these critical services, with specific provisions for notification and exclusions.
Key provisions
- Allows counties to levy a public safety sales or amusement tax.
- Requires voter approval through a ballot referendum for tax implementation.
- Establishes a maximum tax rate of one percent.
- Defines key terms such as ‘amusement tax,’ ‘emergency response services,’ and ‘school resource officers.’
- Requires counties to notify the Tax Commissioner, Auditor, and Treasurer before imposing the tax.
- Excludes municipalities participating in the Municipal Home Rule Program.
- Excludes municipalities with existing amusement taxes.
- Provides for severability of the bill's sections.
Who is affected
- West Virginia Counties
- County Commissions
- Sheriff's Departments
- Fire Departments
- Emergency and Ambulance Services
Notable changes
- Creates a new mechanism for counties to secure funding for public safety and emergency services.
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